Grantees: Youth Leadership Development
Education Justice Coalition of Vermont
The Summer Social Justice Camp fosters youth leadership development and community engagement by providing a platform for youth to plan and facilitate their own day camp. Youth will work with local community partners to learn about social justice issues and related advocacy skills. Focus areas may include: antiracism, youth gun violence, LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, and reproductive freedom. Hosted in four regional locations across Vermont, this new program builds upon the previously existing youth leadership training series by the Education Justice Coalition.
Mountain Views Supervisory Union
In 2021, Mountain Views School District assessed the rising problem of substance abuse among high school students. Their solution is an annual Student Leadership Conference that teaches students to make healthy life choices and identify dysfunction before it triggers substance abuse, violence, or mental health issues. The Conference empowers students with problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. It also develops leadership skills that help students guide peers, teachers, and our district to better communication, equity, diversity, inclusion, and stronger connections. Fifty students attended the first Conference, all from MVSU’s Woodstock school. Demand is soaring, and in 2025 they expect 130 students from 4 high schools to attend.
SafeArt, Inc.
SafeArt's Youth Empowerment Program focuses on advocacy, education, and fun for youth interested in fostering individual and communal growth. Addressing the critical need for well-being and social justice programming for youth in Vermont, this program combines trauma-informed trainings, healing arts, and play to educate and empower middle and high school aged youth. They work with the young people to identify and address their needs, creating safe spaces for them to share their voice. Through paid positions, summer camps, and year-round afterschool groups, youth develop skills and confidence in themselves and each other.